Stargazing in Montana 2023-2024

Big Sky Country is among top locations in North America to explore the night sky

Best time: all year round (best September–April)

Montana boasts plenty of wide-open spaces, high peaks, and minimal light pollution, making it one of the best stargazing destinations in the world. Get into the wilderness, away from big cities, such as Missoula or Bozeman, and you will be awarded by endless views of the Milky Way!

One of the best destinations in Montana for astronomy enthusiasts is Glacier National Park, stretching into the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park. These two parks have been certified as an International Dark Sky parks by the International Dark Sky Association (IDA). Both locations host many stargazing events from June through September.

Winter is considered to be the best time for stargazing in Montana due to dark clear skies and a higher chance to spot elusive Northern Lights. However, the summer season also has its advantages. With hundreds of hiking trails and camping sites, it's a great occasion to spend time outdoors under the Big Sky.

Glacier Country

A stargazing trip to Glacier National Park can start at Dusty Star Dome or St. Mary Observatory, which is equipped with one of the largest telescopes in the state. The telescope provides high resolution views of the skies.

If you visit during the hiking season, the whole park can serve as a stargazing playground. Take a drive along Going-to-the-Sun Road and stop for some nighttime photography at Lake McDonald, Avalanche Lake, Bowman, and Kintla lakes to enjoy mesmerizing views and reflections.

Apgar Lookout in the southwest corner of the park is another great spot to see Montana's sky over the rugged peaks. On the western side, Upper Waterton Lake at Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park provides some of the best stargazing.

Missouri River Country

American Prairie Reserve, located on Montana’s Great Plains, stretches north and south of the Missouri River. Due to its remote location and vast shortgrass prairie landscape, the reserve offers excellent stargazing to constellation hunters. In the summer, visitors can stay at huts and campgrounds on the PN, Mars Vista, and Sun Prairie trails. One of the most uninhibited places in the US, American Prairie Reserve is known for its minimal light pollution.

Yellowstone Country

Yellowstone Country north of Yellowstone National Park is a remote area with almost no light pollution. Yellowstone Country is typically less crowded even during the hiking season in the summer. Explore Hyalite Canyon, Palisade Falls, Hyalite Reservoir, Greenough Lake, and Emerald Lake. Several wooded campgrounds offer excellent lodging in the area from Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Practical info

When is the best time to go stargazing in Montana?

Montana has great stargazing conditions all year round, especially from September to April, when there is less exposure to daylight hours, and the Northern Lights can be seen. Though winter is perfect with its dark, clear skies and less air pollution, summer presents opportunities to hike and camp, making all starry nights enjoyable.

Where is the best stargazing spot in Montana's Glacier Country?

Glacier National Park is an excellent stargazing spot in Montana and is an International Dark Sky Park, certified by the International Dark Sky Association (IDA). Visitors can visit several park spots for stargazing, such as Apgar Lookout, Dusty Star Dome, and St. Mary Observatory that boasts of one of Montana's most extensive telescopes. Also, Going-to-the-Sun Road offers impressive reflection photography spots like Lake McDonald, Avalanche Lake, Bowman, and Kintla Lake.

What is the advantage of visiting Montana during the summer season for stargazing?

Though winter is perfect for stargazing, Montana summer presents several advantages such as comfortable weather, clear skies, and minimal cloud cover, making the starry sky view clear and accessible. Summer visitors can access hundreds of hiking trails and numerous campsites that provide a full starly night experience. Montana summer nights are generally cloudless and more comfortable, making the outdoors a delightful experience.

Where is American Prairie Reserve located and why is it unique for stargazing?

American Prairie Reserve, located between north and south Missouri River on Montana’s Great Plains, offers vast shortgrass prairie landscapes that make it an excellent stargazing spot, and less light pollution means better constellation watching. The remoteness of the reserve can be enjoyed by lodging in huts and campgrounds that offer visitors a chance to explore the wilderness and stars in Montana's dark sky without any light obstruction.

What are the best places to stargaze in Yellowstone Country and when are the campsites open?

Yellowstone Country is an isolated location that has limited light pollution, making it an excellent option for stargazing. Popular stargazing spots are Hyalite Canyon, Greenough Lake, Hyalite Reservoir, Palisade Falls, and Emerald Lake. The camping season in Yellowstone runs from Memorial Day up to Labor Day, with many campgrounds available in the woods around the region. Visitors to Yellowstone Country can explore the night sky in solitude, even during the summer months when hiking is at its peak, making it more accessible for viewing the stars.